Randomized controlled trial of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in the management of acute non-neoplastic portal vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Anticoagulation therapy is the main line of treatment for acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in the absence of cirrhosis. However, the use of this therapy in cirrhotic PVT is still with doubtful evidence. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared to warfarin for the management of acute non-neoplastic PVT in Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related compensated cirrhosis. METHODS: Out of 578 patients with chronic HCV infection, 80 patients with acute PVT who had undergone splenectomy due to hypersplenism and 4 patients with acute PVT due to portal pyemia were selected. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to the study group (n = 40), in which the patients received rivaroxaban 10 mg/12 h, or the control group (n = 40), in which the patients received warfarin. RESULTS: In the rivaroxaban group, the resolution of PVT was achieved in 34 patients (85%) within 2.6 ±â€¯0.4 months and delayed, partial recanalization after 6.7 ±â€¯1.2 months (n = 6.15%). Complications such as major bleeding, abnormal liver functions, death, or recurrence did not occur during treatment, and patients in this group showed improved short-term survival rate (20.4 ±â€¯2.2 months) compared to the survival rate in the control group (10.6 ±â€¯1.8 months) in which warfarin achieved complete resolution in 45% of patients. Complications such as severe upper GI tract bleeding (43.3%), hepatic decompensation (22.5%), progression to mesenteric ischemia (12.5%), recurrence (10%), and death (20%) were observed in the control group. The duration until complete resolution of thrombus correlated with age, the extent of the thrombus, creatinine level, and MELD score. The recurrence after complete resolution of thrombus correlated with age, the extent of the thrombus, thrombogenic gene polymorphism, and the use of warfarin. CONCLUSION: Rivaroxaban was effective and safe in acute HCV-related non-neoplastic PVT with improved short-term survival rate; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03201367.

Análise do grau de recanalização da trombose venosa profunda: estudo comparativo de pacientes tratados com varfarina versus rivaroxabana / Analysis of recanalization of deep venous thrombosis: a comparative study of patients treated with warfarin vs. rivaroxaban

Contexto A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) afeta anualmente cerca de dez milhões de pessoas no mundo e tem como principais complicações a embolia pulmonar e a síndrome pós-trombótica. O tratamento padrão é a anticoagulação, que pode ser realizada com heparinas, antagonistas da vitamina K, fondaparinux ou, mais recentemente, com anticoagulantes orais diretos (direct oral anticoagulants, DOACs). Os anticoagulantes diminuem a progressão do trombo e facilitam os mecanismos trombolíticos naturais, fato conhecido como recanalização, que pode ocorrer em graus e tempos variados, influenciados por diversos fatores, dentre eles o tipo de anticoagulação utilizado. Objetivos Avaliar o grau e o tempo de recanalização através da análise de laudos de eco-Doppler colorido (EDC) de pacientes com TVP tratados com DOACs ou com heparina + varfarina. Métodos Foram avaliados retrospectivamente os dados demográficos e os laudos dos EDC dos pacientes com TVP, tratados entre janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2016. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a terapêutica utilizada: Grupo I (heparina + varfarina): 26 pacientes; Grupo II (rivaroxabana): 51 pacientes. Os principais itens observados foram o grau e o tempo para a recanalização. Resultados Foram observadas taxas de recanalização aos 30, 90 e 180 dias de 10%, 52,5% e 78,9%, respectivamente, no Grupo I, e de 55,3%, 83,5% e 92,4%, respectivamente, no Grupo II, com diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,041). Conclusões Ambos os tratamentos promoveram recanalização. Houve recanalização mais precoce no grupo de pacientes que utilizaram a rivaroxabana

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) strikes around ten million people worldwide every year and is associated with major complications including pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome. Anticoagulation is the standard treatment, with administration of heparins, vitamin K antagonists, fondaparinux, or, more recently, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Anticoagulants reduce thrombus progression and facilitate natural thrombolytic mechanisms, leading to a phenomenon known as recanalization, which can occur in varying degrees and over variable periods of time, under influence from many different factors, including the type of anticoagulation employed. Objectives To evaluate the degree of recanalization and the time taken, by analysis of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) reports from patients with DVT treated with DOACs or with heparin + warfarin. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of demographic data and CDU reports from patients with DVT who had been treated from January 2009 to December 2016. These patients were classified into two groups, according to the treatment given: Group I (heparin + warfarin): 26 patients; or Group II (rivaroxaban): 51 patients. The primary outcomes assessed were degree of recanalization and time taken. Results Recanalization rates at 30, 90, and 180 days were 10%, 52.5%, and 78.9%, respectively, in Group I, and 55.3%, 83.5%, and 92.4%, respectively, in Group II, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.041). Conclusions Both treatments led to recanalization. Recanalization occurred earlier among patients treated with rivaroxaban

[Endovascular treatment of a patient with post-thrombotic disease and obstruction of a cava filter]. / Éndovaskuliarnoe lechenie bol'nogo s posttromboticheskoi bolezn'iu i obstruktsiei kava-fil'tra.

Balloon angioplasty and stenting have increasingly been gaining widespread application for treatment of post-thrombotic alterations in the system of the vena cava. Endovascular ultrasonographic examination makes it possible with the utmost degree of reliability to determine both the extension and degree of the narrowing of venous segments, thus proving a possibility of choosing a venous stent of an appropriate diameter. Restoration of an adequate venous lumen leads to normalization of blood flow and elimination of venous hypertension. However, unsolved as yet remains the problem concerning proper management of post-thrombotic obstructions of the inferior vena cava at the level of a cava filter. Owing to a wide variety of configurations of cava filters to deploy, there are no common approaches to elimination of such obstruction. Presented herein is a clinical case report regarding successful endovascular treatment of a patient diagnosed with post-thrombotic disease secondary to endured thrombosis. The findings of both phlebography and endovascular ultrasonographic examination made it possible to diagnose obstruction of the left common iliac vein, external iliac vein, and inferior vena cava to the level of the cava filter previously deployed. In the segment of the inferior vena cava at the level of the cava filter also revealed was a pronounced luminal narrowing exceeding 90% of its diameter. We carried out stenting of the common and external iliac veins, inferior vena cava, and the cava filter. Swelling of the left leg subsided spontaneously within 2 weeks and the first postoperative month was accompanied by gradual disappearance of the previously existing feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs and a dramatic decrease in fatigue by the end of the working day.

Incidence and Factors Associated With the Occurrence of Pulmonary Vein Narrowing After Cryoballoon Ablation.

BACKGROUND: In contrast with traditional radiofrequency ablation, little is known about the influence of cryoballoon ablation on the morphology of pulmonary veins (PVs). We evaluated the influence of cryoballoon ablation on the PV dimension (PVD) and investigated the factors associated with a reduction of the PVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-four patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were included in the present study. All subjects underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography both before and at 3 months after the procedure. The PVD (cross-sectional area) was measured using a 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system. Each PV was evaluated according to the PVD reduction rate (ΔPVD), which was calculated as follows: (1-post-PVD/pre-PVD)×100 (%). Ninety-two percent of the PVs (271/296) were successfully isolated only by cryoballoon ablation; the remaining 8% of the PVs required touch-up ablation and were excluded from the analysis. Mild (25%-50%), moderate (50%-75%), and severe (≥75%) ΔPVD values were observed in 87, 14, and 3 PVs, respectively, including 1 case with severe left superior PV stenosis (ΔPVD: 94%) in a patient who required PV angioplasty. In multivariable analysis, a larger PV ostium and lower minimum freezing temperature during cryoballoon ablation were independently associated with PV narrowing (odds ratio, 1.773; P=0.01; and odds ratio, 1.137; P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction of the PVD was often observed after cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation. A larger PV ostium and lower minimum freezing temperature during cryoballoon ablation were associated with an increased risk of PVD reduction.

Chronic venous insufficiency - a review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Chronic venous disease is a common disorder associated with a variety of symptoms in later disease stages but also with complications such as venous leg ulcer. This, in turn, has substantial socioeconomic effects and significantly impacts patients' quality of life. While there are a number of diagnostic procedures available, color-flow duplex ultrasound has become the gold standard. As regards therapeutic options, major advances have been made in recent decades. Today, there are alternatives to saphenofemoral ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein, including endovenous thermal ablation techniques. However, treatment selection continues to depend on many factors such as individual anatomical circumstances and disease stage. The following article provides an overview of the anatomy and pathophysiology as well as current diagnostic and therapeutic standards.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Targeting the Vein of Marshall in Difficult Mitral Isthmus Ablation or Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

INTRODUCTION: The ligament of Marshall may hinder the creation of mitral isthmus (MI) block or pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess the benefit of RF ablation targeting the vein of Marshall (VOM) in failed cases of MI block or PVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent RF ablation targeting the VOM after failed MI ablation or left PVI using the conventional method, which included circumferential point-by-point ablation around the PV antrum and carina for PVI, and endocardial MI and epicardial distal coronary sinus (CS) ablation for MI block. The VOM was identified by using selective VOM venography with an external irrigation RF ablation catheter. RF ablation targeting the VOM was performed with RF application at the ostium of the VOM inside the CS or at the endocardial region facing the VOM course. During the set period, CS venography was performed in 42 patients after failure of left PVI (n = 5) or MI block (n = 37). Under CS venography, the VOM was visualized in 22 of 42 patients (MI = 19 and PVI = 3). During selective venography of the VOM, no procedure-related complication was observed. RF application targeting the VOM successfully achieved MI block in 13 patients (68.4%) and PVI in 2 patients (66.7%). CONCLUSION: Selective VOM venography using an irrigated ablation catheter is feasible and safe. RF ablation targeting the VOM may provide additional benefit in failed cases of MI block or PVI.

Complete response with sorafenib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) showing portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) have an extremely poor prognosis. According to treatment guidelines, the only option for HCC patients with PVTT is sorafenib chemotherapy. However, in Asia, various treatments have been attempted and possible prolongation of overall survival has been repeatedly reported. We herein report the first case of a patient with an initially unresectable advanced HCC with PVTT who underwent curative hepatectomy after sorafenib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) showing complete histological response. Two months after induction with sorafenib, a significant decrease in serum alpha-fetoprotein level was observed and computed tomography imaging showed a significant decrease in tumor size. Because of remaining PVTT, TACE and curative resection were performed. The combination of sorafenib and TACE may be an effective treatment for HCC patients with PVTT.

Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism With New Anticoagulant Agents.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease associated with high risk for recurrences, death, and late sequelae, accounting for substantial health care costs. Anticoagulant agents are the mainstay of treatment for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The recent availability of oral anticoagulant agents that can be administered in fixed doses, without laboratory monitoring and dose adjustment, is a landmark change in the treatment of VTE. In Phase III trials, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban (antifactor Xa agents), and dabigatran (an antithrombin agent) were noninferior and probably safer than conventional anticoagulation therapy (low-molecular-weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonists). These favorable results were confirmed in specific patient subgroups, such as the elderly and fragile. However, some patients, such as those with cancer or with intermediate- to high-risk pulmonary embolism, were underrepresented in the Phase III trials. Further clinical research is required before new oral anticoagulant agents can be considered standard of care for the full spectrum of patients with VTE.

Retained embolized fragment of totally implantable central venous catheter in right ventricle: it is really necessary to remove?

INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheters are often required in oncologic patients for long-term safe administration of chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition. Rupture of these devices and intracardiac migration is a rare complication. METHODS: We report one spontaneous rupture and embolization of a totally implantable vascular access device (TIVAD) in an asymptomatic patient. RESULTS: A 50-year-old woman received a TIVAD silicone catheter 8 FR for adjuvant chemotherapy. After 3 years of port time in situ, during a follow-up control, a catheter malfunction was found and radiologic investigations showed a rupture and migration of the catheter to the right ventricle. The attempt to remove the fragment under fluoroscopic control using the femoral route was unsuccessful. We did not try a surgical approach because of the complete absence of symptomatology and hemodynamic impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The catheter rupture and intracardiac embolization is a rare complication associated with totally implantable or tunneled central venous catheters. When such an event happens, the patient should be managed by expert hemodynamists or interventional radiologists making an effort to remove the fragment without surgical measures. When the intravascular percutaneous route fails, the possibility to leave the fragmented catheter in heart chambers should be evaluated, being surgery questionable in asymptomatic patients.

Treatment of venous pulsatile tinnitus in younger women.

BACKGROUND: We present 7 cases of pulsatile tinnitus (PT) of venous origin in younger women seen over a period of 24 years and treated by Internal Jugular Bulb ligation. METHODS: All patients had a pulsatile bruit in one side of the neck that disappeared when gentle pressure over the internal jugular vein (IJV) caused it to collapse as seen in a duplex scan. Their computed tomography showed a dominant venous system with a high jugular bulb on the side of the bruit. RESULTS: The IJV was ligated under local anesthesia. Five patients in whom the ligation was done above the facial vein were cured. Two patients in whom the ligation was done below the facial vein experienced a decrease but not disappearance of the PT. CONCLUSIONS: Once other possible causes for PT have been discarded, ligation of the IJV above the facial vein cures this condition.

Pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in the postpneumonectomy population: a feasibility, safety, and outcomes study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of the remnant pulmonary vein (PV) stumps in pneumonectomy patients has not been well characterized. METHODS: This is a multicenter observational study of patients with a remnant PV stump after pneumonectomy. Consecutive patients with a history of pneumonectomy and who had undergone RF ablation for drug refractory AF were identified from the AF database at the participating institutions. RESULTS: There were 15 patients in whom pneumonectomy was performed, for resection of tumors in 10, infection in 4, and bullae in 1 patient and who underwent RF ablation for AF. The mean age was 63 ± 7 years. The stumps were from the right lower PV in 5, left upper PV in 5, left lower PV in 3, and right upper PV in 2 patients. All the PV stumps were electrically active with PV potentials and 9 (60%) of them had triggered activity. PVI was performed in 14 and focal isolation in 1 patient. At 1-year follow-up, 80% were free of AF, off of antiarrhythmic medications. CONCLUSION: PV stumps in AF patients with previous pneumonectomy are electrically active and are frequently the sites of active firing. Isolation of these PV stumps can be accomplished safely and effectively using catheter ablation with no practical concern for PV stenosis or compromising PV stump integrity.

The early stage of the atrial electroanatomic remodeling as substrates for atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent studies suggest right atrial remodeling in hypertensive patients may be associated with increased inducibility of AF. This study sought to characterize the electroanatomic features of left and right atria and pulmonary veins (PVs) in hypertensive patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent ablation for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia or paroxysmal AF. Electrophysiological features of the PVs and atria, including event-related potentials, conduction time, and inducibility and vulnerability of AF, were characterized during cardiac catheterization. Anatomic and hemodynamic features were assessed by using echocardiographic and computer tomography imaging. When 15 hypertensive patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were compared with 17 normotensive patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, the hypertensive patients had significantly shortened PV event-related potentials with increased dispersions (P<0.001) but slightly prolonged atrial event-related potentials (P=NS) and had prolonged interatrial and intra-atrial conduction times (P<0.001). Additionally, the hypertensive patients had increased vulnerability and inducibility of AF and prolonged duration of induced AF (P<0.01). All of these changes were more pronounced in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF. Anatomically, compared with the normotensive patients, the diameters of 4 PVs in the hypertensive patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were significantly enlarged (P<0.01) and became more remarkable in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF (P<0.0001), although the diameter and volume index of the left atrium among 3 groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The hypertensive patients showed electroanatomic changes associated with increased vulnerability to AF, including shortened event-related potentials with increased dispersion, prolonged conduction time, and increased PV diameter, but these changes were not appreciated in the atria. Additionally, these changes became more dramatic in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF.

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with long-term use of medical liquor: two case reports and literature review.

A 62-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in 2011 because of recurrent abdominal pain, nausea and constipation for six months. Computed tomography enterography (CTE) showed tortuous thread-like calcifications in the ileocolic vein and right colic vein, while colonoscopy revealed purple-blue mucosa extending from the cecum to the splenic flexure. Based on the results of these tests, the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP). She had a history of Chinese medical liquor intake for one and a half years and her symptoms subsided after conservative treatment. In 2013, a 63-year-old male patient who presented with recurrent lower right abdominal pain, bloating, melena and diarrhea for fifteen months was admitted to our institution. Colonoscopy and CTE led to the diagnosis of IMP. He also used Chinese medical liquor for approximately 12 years. The patient underwent total colectomy and the postoperative course was uneventful. We searched for previously published reports on similar cases and analyzed the clinical data of 50 cases identified in PubMed. As some of these patients admitted use of Chinese medicines, we hypothesize that Chinese medicines may play a role in the pathogenesis of IMP.

Percutaneous transhepatic access for catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias.

AIMS: Femoral venous access may be limited in certain patients undergoing electrophysiology (EP) study and ablation. The purpose of this study is to review a series of patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic access to allow for ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six patients with a variety of cardiac arrhythmias and venous abnormalities underwent percutaneous transhepatic access. Under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance, a percutaneous needle was advanced into a hepatic vein and exchanged for a vascular sheath over a wire. Electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation was then performed. All tachycardias, including atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation, were ablated. Procedural times ranged from 227 to 418 min. Fluoroscopy times ranged from 32 to 95 min. There were no complications. All six patients have been arrhythmia-free in follow-up (5-49 months, mean 23.1 months). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transhepatic access is safe and feasible in patients with limited venous access who are undergoing EP study and ablation for a range of cardiac arrhythmias.

Treatment of primary varicose veins has changed with the introduction of new techniques.

New technologies have produced a revolution in primary varicose vein treatments. Duplex ultrasound is now used for preoperative diagnosis, postoperative surveillance, and during many procedures. Ultrasound has also altered our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic venous disease. Laser and radiofrequency saphenous ablations are common. Classic techniques, such as sclerotherapy, high ligation, stripping, and phlebectomy, have been improved. Magnetic resonance venography, computed tomographic venography, and intravascular ultrasound have improved diagnostic capabilities. New strategies like ambulatory selective varices ablation under local anesthesia (ASVAL) and conservative hemodynamic treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CHIVA) raise important questions about how to manage these patients.

Systemic venous anatomy in congenital heart disease: implications for electrophysiologic testing and catheter ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant problem in patients with congenital heart disease. Many patients with congenital heart disease have abnormal systemic venous anatomy which can complicate electrophysiologic testing, catheter ablation and pacemaker and defibrillator implantation. We reviewed the systemic venous anatomy in a cohort of patients undergoing electrophysiologic testing and catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed all electrophysiologic studies performed in patients with adult congenital heart disease (n = 80) at our institution between January 1998 and October 2009. Ten patients (13%) had a congenital systemic venous anomaly. Of these, seven (9%) had a left superior vena cava and four (5%) had infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava (two had both anomalies). One patient's inferior vena cava was connected to a left-sided atrium; she had right atrial isomerism. In four patients (40%), systemic venous abnormalities were discovered at the time of electrophysiologic testing. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic venous anomalies occur frequently in the congenital heart disease population and may complicate electrophysiologic testing and catheter ablation. Pre-procedural imaging may assist in facilitating a successful procedure.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lung disease (CLD) is one of the important underlying diseases of atrial fibrillation (AF). The outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF in patients with CLD have not yet been reported. We investigated the electroanatomic alterations in pulmonary veins (PVs) in CLD patients with AF and assessed their effect on the outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. METHOD AND RESULTS: We assessed 15 patients who had CLD and underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. CLD included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a tuberculosis-destroyed lung, and interstitial lung disease. For controls, we selected 60 sex-, age-, and procedure era-matched non-CLD patients who received radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF (4 controls for each CLD patient). Eight patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 had a tuberculosis-destroyed lung, and 1 had interstitial lung disease. PV morphology in the affected lung was altered significantly, ie, obliteration, pulling of the PVs toward the destroyed lung, or compensatory bulging of the PV antrum. These alterations were related to arrhythmogenicity in 6 (40%) of 15 patients with CLD. Non-PV foci were more common in the CLD group (4/15, 26.7%) than in the control group (3/60, 5.0%; P=0.025). All non-PV foci were located in the right atrium. The AF recurrence rate in the CLD group (26.7%, 4/15) was similar to that in the control group (18.3%, 11/60; P=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Significant alteration of PV anatomy was related to arrhythmogenicity, and non-PV foci from the right atrium were commonly observed in the CLD group. Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be performed safely for AF in CLD patients with a comparable success rate to that in patients with normal lungs.

Characterization of the dynamic function of the pulmonary veins before and after atrial fibrillation ablation using multi-detector computed tomographic images.

Understanding pulmonary vein (PV) function before and after catheter ablation can validate the benefit of the treatment and provide mechanistic insight into atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was aimed to investigate the functional remodeling process of PVs by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). We assessed the dynamic function of four PVs by MDCT at systolic and diastolic phases. Twelve points around each PV ostium were used to assess the magnitude and abnormalities of the regional wall motion. The axis of PV shifting during cardiac cycle was also determined. Seventy-four paroxysmal AF patients and 29 controls were enrolled. In those of AF, the superior PVs had poorer contractile function (ejection fraction: P = 0.01 for left; P = 0.009 for right; magnitude of the motion: P = 0.01 for left; P = 0.02 for right) which mainly resulted from the decreased movement of the posterior wall. In contrast, the function of inferior PVs was similar between two groups. After a mean follow-up of 158 ± 95 days, the PV motion improved in the patients without any AF recurrence. In addition, analysis of the pre-ablation PV function showed that the angles, which shifted during cardiac cycle of left (P = 0.035) and right (P = 0.014) inferior PV, were significantly decreased in recurrent patients. The contractile function of the superior PVs was impaired in paroxysmal AF patients. This was attributed to the hypokinesia of the posterior wall of PVs and improved after circumferential ablation in the patients without recurrence. MDCT images can effectively delineate the functional characteristics of PVs.

No severe pulmonary vein stenosis after extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation: 12-month follow-up with 3D computed tomography.

Few studies have explored the utility of local electrogram-guided extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (EEPVI) by analyzing the pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy and occurrence of stenosis using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). One hundred seventy-six paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients underwent EEPVI with a double lasso technique. MDCT was performed in all patients before and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the ablation procedures to screen for PV stenosis. PV stenosis was defined as a >30% reduction in its diameter. A total of 700 PVs were analyzed. PV stenosis was observed in 15 of 700 PVs (2.1%). All stenoses were mild (mean 34.5 ± 3.3%). They were all asymptomatic, and none required treatment. After 12 months of follow-up, the PV narrowing regressed significantly compared with that at 3 months in the patients with PV stenosis (34.5 ± 3 to 30.4 ± 5%, P < 0.05). The remaining PVs exhibited a stable anatomy, and there was no significant progression of the PV narrowing. The results of this study demonstrated that detectable PV stenosis occurred in 2.1% of the PVs, and all stenoses were mild. Moreover, a significant regression of the PV narrowing was observed after 12-months of follow-up. This indicates that the local electrocardiogram-guided EEPVI was relatively safe regarding severe PV stenosis.